131 


ALICE  G.  HOWARD 


GIFT   OF 


OURS 


OURS 


BY 

ALICE     G.     HOWARD 


"Not  mine  and  thine, 
But  ours,  for  ours  is  Urine  and  mine." 

—  LONGFFLLOV 


SAN   FRANCISCO 

C.  A.  MURDOCK   &   Cc 

1890 


Copyright,  1890, 
BY  ALICE   G.   HOWARD. 


NOT    FOR    ITS    PERFECTION,    BUT    FOR    THE 
LOVE   I    BEAR    THEE. 


415566 


FOR    THE    MASTER. 

Lord,  from  Thy  store  of  bread  give  me  a  crumb  : 
May  I  so  use  it  that  it  may  become 
Food  for  my  soul,  and  to  the  needy  light : 
Drink  to  the  thirsty,  to  the  blind  ones  sight. 
From  Thine  own  hand,  O  Lord,  give  it  to  me  ; 
Keep  me  so  near  that  Thy  sweet  face  I  '11  see  ; 
Breathe  into  it  a  wondrous  power  of  love, 
For  Thine  own  glory,  Lord,  here  as  above. 

Master,  my  basket  bring  I  unto  Thee  ; 

Emptied  of  self,  in  deep  humility, 

No  laurel  crown  entreat  I  at  Thy  hand, 

Just  daily  strength  to  follow  Thy  command  : 

Fill  it,  dear  Lord,  with  little  words  and  deeds ; 

(Not  yet  the  "waving  palms")  God's  tiny  seeds  : 

Hide  in  each  one  the  germ  of  life  divine  ; 

Naught  shall  then  ' '  void  return ' ' — The  Word  is  Thine. 

Steep  mountain  sides  and  cliffs  I  cannot  scale  ; 

Even  in  sunny  fields  my  footsteps  fail. 

Here  in  the  valley,  Lord,  I  sit  and  try 

To  bring  refreshment  to  the  passers-by. 

Lord,  may  the  sweeping  winds  that  round  me  blow, 

Cause  Thy  dear  cherished  seeds  to  farther  go  ; 

Sown  on  the  breeze,  the  fruit  I  cannot  see  ; 

O  garner,  Lord  !  —  I  sow  them  all  for  Thee. 


LIKE   A  WHITE   ROSE. 

I  hold  thee  in  my  hands,  thou  rose  celestial, 

And  search  thy  depths  for  trace  of  mark  or  stain. 
I  part  thy  waxy  leaves  with  touch  relentless, 

And  e'en  to  break  thee  I  do  not  disdain. 
The  more  I  bruise  thee,  sweeter  comes  thy  perfume  : 

Thy  heart  is  filled  with  rays  of  morning  light. 
The  closer  sight  reveals  the  greater  beauty : 

No  secret  blemish  ;  naught  to  dwarf  or  blight. 

Lord,  who  didst  make  the  rose  in  its  perfection, 

Cast  on  my  heart  Thy  penetrating  gaze. 
Spare  not  one  blot,  however  small  or  hidden  ; 

My  soul  unto  Thy  spotless  standard  raise. 
Bruise,  if  Thou  wilt,  my  lips  shall  sing  Thy  praises, 

For  only  good  can  come  from  Thy  dear  hand.        . 
My  inner  life  shall  store  bright  rays  of  gladness 

To  drop  like  petals,  at  Thy  loved  command. 

Come  cloud  or  sunshine,  may  I  grow  and  blossom, 

Broadening  out,  though  many  times  cut  down. 
I  would  not  seek  to  gain  the  world's  approval, 

But  watch. Thy  face  lest  I  should  make  Thee  frown. 
I  am  so  weak,  O  Father,  do  Thou  for  me  ; 

The  evening  tarries  ;  slow  the  coming  morn. 
In  Thee  is  strength  ;  I  will  not  fear  the  breezes 

That  but  perfect  the  rose,  without  a  thorn. 


COME  UNTO  ME. 

"Come  unto  Me."     Soft  falls  the  tender  pleading ; 

Come,  weary  souls,  and  I  will  give  you  rest. 
Why  will  ye  labor,  worn  and  heavy  laden  ? 

Sure  are  My  wages,  and  My  service  blest. 
My  yoke  is  easy,  and  light  is  My  burden  ; 

My  heart  is  lowly,  and  My  soul  is  love. 
I  am  the  Way  unto  the  many  mansions  ; 

Come,  follow  me,  I  lead  to  God  above. 

Come,  I  would  gather,  as  the  hen  her  chickens, 

Each  struggling  frame  within  My  loving  arms. 
Who  looks  to  Me  for  strength  and  firm  protection, 

Earth  may  assail,  but  nothing  ever  harms. 
I  am  the  Bread  for  souls  athirst  and  hungry, 

Refuge  and  help  in  ev'ry  time  of  need. 
I  am  the  Light ;  they  shall  not  walk  in  darkness 

Who  seek  My  face  and  My  commandments  heed. 

Come  and  inherit  all  My  bright  possessions, 

Freedom  from  sin,  and  peace  forever  more. 
Thou  shalt  not  see  ^  faith  the  Lord  of  glory, 

But  face  to  face  the  King  whom  saints  adore. 
"  Come  unto  Me  "  ;  let  them  that  hear  repeat  it ; 

Death  cannot  chain  ;  My  power  is  divine. 
Who  trusts  in  Me  shall  reach  the  gates  eternal, 

And  enter  in,  for  all  who  come  are  Mine. 


TO  A  TRUE   FRIEND. 

When  I  sit  beside  the  river, 

In  the  land  of  peace  and  rest ; 
When  life's  trials  all  are  over, 

And  my  soul  is  with  the  blest  — 
Do  you  think  I  will  forget  you, 

Though  I  seem  so  far  away  ? 
Do  you  think  I  will  not  love  you 

As  I  love  you,  dear,  to-day  ? 
Would  I  really  be  myself,  dear, 

If  my  heart  should  prove  untrue  ! 
Could  I  be  supremely  happy, 

And  not  give  one  thought  to  you? 
I  shall  think  of  one  who  led  me 

When  the  way  was  long  and  drear  ; 
I  shall  think  of  one  whose  courage 

Taught  my  own  heart  not  to  fear ; 
I  shall  tell  the  blessed  Master 

Of  the  words  you  spoke  for  Him, 
When  my  heart  was  heavy  laden 

And  my  eyes  with  tears  were  dim. 
I  shall  tell  Him  you  were  faithful 

In  example  and  in  prayer ; 
Then  when  you  meet  His  smiling  face 

You  will  read  a  welcome  there. 
Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens  " 

Is  a  sacred,  sweet  command, 
And  it  brings  to  such  as  you,  dear, 

A  reward  from  God's  own  hand. 


"THEY   SHALL   SEE  GOD." 

I  walked  through  fields  of  summer  verdure, 

And  read  the  lessons  written  there 
In  tiny  spires  pointing  heavenward, 

And  lilies  blooming  fresh  and  fair : 
I  saw  God's  face  in  smiling  blossoms, 

I  read  His  strength  in  spreading  trees, 
I  felt  within  my  soul  the  blessing 

That  God's  own  hand  was  in  the  breeze. 

It  touched  my  cheek  in  tender  pity, 

It  kissed  my  brow  with  words  of  love : 
It  whispered  to  my  heart  that  comfort 

Which  cometh  only  from  above. 
The  dew  was  still  upon  the  flowers, 

The  sun  just  peeping  o'er  the  hill, 
I  prayed,  "O  God,  whose  grace  aboundeth, 

With  warmth  and  peace  my  spirit  fill. 

Keep  me  so  pure,  that  as  I  journey 

With  eager  steps  along  life's  way, 
I  may  behold  Thee,  close  beside  me, 

And  years  seem  but  a  gladsome  day. 
But  should  I  leave  the  fresh  green  pastures, 

And  reach  a  hard  and  barren  land, 
O  Father,  clasp  me  all  the  closer, 

And  let  me  cling  to  Thy  strong  hand. 


Make  Thou  my  lips  to  sing  Thy  praises, 

My  face  to  beam  with  holy  light ; 
A  guide  to  those  who  would  find  Jesus, 

The  weary  pilgrims  of  the  night. 
Lord,  when  my  feet  have  reached  the  summit, 

And  stand  before  the  jasper  throne, 
May  I  not  meet  Thee  empty-handed, 

Nor  enter  Heaven's  gates  alone." 


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THE   NIGHT  LISTENS. 

Night  drew  her  sable  mantle  o'er  her  starlit  face, 

And  bent  her  head  each  whispered  sound  to  hear  : 
Above  her  throbbing  heart  her  snowy   hands  firm 
clasped, 

Her  lips  compressed,  restraining  inward  fear. 
Will  man  forget  his  Maker  when  the  shadows  fall  ? 

Can  one  forget  who  gives  the  weary  rest  ? 
She  opened  wide  the  book  suspended  from  her  arm, 

And  crooned  in  slumber  notes — "Peace  to  the 

blest  "- 
As  if  her  words  awakened  sacred  thoughts  below, 

An  incense  sweet  filled  all  the  silent  air. 
In  rolling  puffs,  in  clouds,  in  winding  columns  strong, 

Arose,  like  smoke  from  fire,  man's  earnest  prayer. 

O  Night !  thou  wakeful  nurse,  brooding  thy  children 

dear, 

Would  that  thy  loving  hand  need  not  record 
And  seal  with  bitter  tears  wrung  from  thy  watchful 

eyes, 
That  some  men  slept,  nor  even  thought  of  God. 


11 


EVENTIDE. 

In  the  evening  time,  when  sounds  are  still, 
And  love  for  Thee  my  hungry  heart  doth  fill, 
Soft  and  low,  like  a  mother's  lullaby, 
I  hear  Thy  voice  from  out  the  vaulted  sky. 
The  heavens  part,  a  form  divinely  fair, 
Floats  through  the  stillness,  filling  all  the  air 
With  words  so  sweet,  so  comforting  to  me, 
I  kneel  in  silence,  knowing,  Lord,  'tis  Thee. 

Thy  spirit  dwelling  in  the  soul  of  man, 

Joins  earth  to  Heaven  by  a  single  span. 

With  curtains  drawn  upon  our  earthly  gaze, 

Our  hearts  illumined  by  Thy  holy  rays, 

We  see  Thee,  Lord,  as  standing  face  to  face, 

And  on  Thy  hands  our  graven  names  can  trace. 

Is  it  not  Heaven,  O  our  God  divine, 

To  meet  with  Thee  and  feel  that  we  are  Thine  ? 

A  quiet  hour,  a  list'ning  heart,  Thy  voice, 
Inspire  me,  Lord,  to  seek  and  make  my  choice. 
Obedience  prompt  for  Thy  commands  when  heard  ; 
A  soul  at  rest  to  catch  the  faintest  word. 
Be  Thou  my  light,  my  guidance,  my  control ; 
Accept,  O  Lord,  my  body  and  my  soul: 
And  thus,  the  "  earthen  vessel  "  glorified, 
Both  shall  be  Thine  when  comes  the  eventide. 


12 


EVENTIDE. 

In  the  evening  time,  when  sounds  are  still, 
And  love  for  Thee  my  hungry  heart  doth  fill, 
Soft  and  low,  like  a  mother's  lullaby, 
I  hear  Thy  voice  from  out  the  vaulted  sky. 
The  heavens  part,  a  form  divinely  fair, 
Floats  through  the  stillness,  filling  all  the  air 
With  words  so  sweet,  so  comforting  to  me, 
I  kneel  in  silence,  knowing,  Lord,  'tis  Thee. 

Thy  spirit  dwelling  in  the  soul  of  man, 

Joins  earth  to  Heaven  by  a  single  span. 

With  curtains  drawn  upon  our  earthly  gaze, 

Our  hearts  illumined  by  Thy  holy  rays, 

We  see  Thee,  Lord,  as  standing  face  to  face, 

And  on  Thy  hands  our  graven  names  can  trace. 

Is  it  not  Heaven,  O  our  God  divine, 

To  meet  with  Thee  and  feel  that  we  are  Thine  ? 

A  quiet  hour,  a  list'ning  heart,  Thy  voice, 
Inspire  me,  Lord,  to  seek  and  make  my  choice. 
Obedience  prompt  for  Thy  commands  when  heard  ; 
A  soul  at  rest  to  catch  the  faintest  word. 
Be  Thou  my  light,  my  guidance,  my  control ; 
Accept,  O  Lord,  my  body  and  my  soul: 
And  thus,  the  "  earthen  vessel  "  glorified, 
Both  shall  be  Thine  when  comes  the  eventide. 


12 


LIFE   BEYOND. 
He  that  believeth  on  the  Lord  hath  everlasting  life.'" 

Do  not  hush  the  little  pattering  feet, 

Or  merry  voices  sounding  on  the  stair ; 
O  do  not  say,  through  quickly  falling  tears, 

When  I  am  gone,  behold  your  mother  there  ; 
But  pointing  heavenward,  with  hands  outstretched, 

Tell  of  the  glory  of  that  land  beyond, 
Where  one  they  loved  has  sought  the  mercy-seat 

Of  Him  above  all  earthly  friends  most  fpnd. 

Tell  them  there  is  no  death  to  those  who  love, 

But  one  eternal,  everlasting  day ; 
With  naught  of  sickness,  sorrow,  or  of  grief, 

For  God  the  Father  casteth  all  away. 
Tell  them  of  rivers  flowing  through  that  land, 

Beside  whose  banks  the  tree  of  life  doth  grow, 
Laden  with  fruit  of  many  different  kinds, 

And  leaves  which  heal  the  Nations'  ev'ry  woe. 

Tell  them  that  God  doth  there  reveal  His  face 

Unto  His  children  kneeling  at  His  feet ; 
He  speaks  to  them  in  words  of  tender  love, 

And  hath  a  smile,  His  weakest  child  to  greet. 
O  mansions  fair,  within  the  house  of  God, 

Thou  land  of  rest  for  which  the  pilgrim  cries, 
The  soul  shall  live  which  enters  in  thy  gates, 

Asleep  in  Christ,  the  Christian  never  dies. 


18 


HIS    LAMBS. 

"  Of  such  is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven." 

Sweet  little  Linda  sits  out  in  the  sun, 
With  dainty  fingers,  stringing  one  by  one 

A  chain  of  beads. 

I  watch  the  glimmer  of  her  golden  hair, 
I  note  her  cheeks  with  witching  dimples  fair, 

And  wonder. 

O  fairy  maid,  so  free  from  care  or  fears, 

No  anxious  thought  for  all  the  coming  years, 

Sweetly  trusting ; 

What  lessons  bring  you  to  our  time-worn  hearts? 
What  is  the  hope  your  innocence  imparts? 

I  listen. 

You  gather  sunbeams  in  your  joyous  play, 
With  which  to  frighten  all  our  clouds  away ; 

Dear  Comforter. 

So  may  we  glean  a  store  of  gladsome  cheer, 
To  give  to  those  who  find  life's  pathway  drear, 

In  blessing. 

Like  beads  upon  your  silken  chain, 
God's  mercies  o'er  His  trusting  children  rain 
In  varied  hues. 


14 


We  string  them,  one  by  one,  along  the  strand 
Which  binds  our  helplessness  to  God's  own  hand, 
JDay  by  day. 

You  tie  a  knot,  and  all  your  work  is  done, 
And  smiling  still,  you  sleep  at  set  of  sun 

So  peacefully. 

O  God,  when  all  our  work  is  finished  too, 
And  lovingly  the  knot  is  tied  by  you, 

Accept  us. 


BABY. 

What  shall  I  wish  for  thee,  sweet  baby  dear? 
A  life  of  joy,  no  trace  of  grief  or  tear? 
All  sunshine's  glimmer,  without  cloud  or  rain? 
A  long  bright  summer's  day,  no  touch  of  pain? 
My  human  heart,  with  judgment  weak  and  blind, 
Would  crave  amiss  when  most  it  would  be  kind. 
To  choose  all  joy  would  be  to  take  from  thee, 
That  peace  which  comes  from  setting  others  free 
From  burdens  heavy,  and  from  sorrow's  blight, 
And,  though  it  grieve  thee,  makes  thy  spirit  bright. 
No  clouds? — No  rain? — The  rainbow,  dear,  unfurls 
God's  loving  smile,  which  turns  our  tears  to  pearls. 
The  summer  ripens,  and  the  frost  makes  strong. 
May  thy  dear  life  be  rich  and  pure  and  long : 
Rich  in  its  sweetness  ;  and  its  length  of  days 
Be  one  grand  psean  to  thy  Maker's  praise. 
Darling,  may  God  bless  thee,  is  my  prayer, 
And  close  enfold  thee  in  His  loving  care. 


FATHER. 

O  hills  !  majestic  in  your  towering  might, 
With  stony  fingers  pointing  towards  the  lighf ; 

0  lofty  trees  !  whose  swaying  boughs  impart 
A  holy  sense  of  greatness  to  the  heart ; 

1  close  my  eyes,  and  bending  low  I  cry, 
Mid  all  this  grandeur,  Lord,  pray  what  am  I  ? 

Great  is  Thy  power  ;  greater  still  the  love 
Which  ruleth  over  all,  yet  from  above 
Speaks  to  the  soul,  in  wooing  accents  mild, 
"I  am  thy  Father— Come  and  be  My  child." 

Like  babes,  our  steps  are  feeble,  Lord,  and  slow ; 

We  cannot  stand  alone,  but  well  we  know 

That  round  us,  everlasting  arms  entwine, 

And  boundless  strength  and  wisdom  both  are  Thine. 

Thy  children,  Father  ! — Words  with  blessing  fraught ; 

God  grant  that  we  may  prize  them  as  we  ought. 


17 


TO-MORROW. 

Yesterday  we  planned  to-morrow's  golden  deeds, 

Its  acts  of  kindness,  words  of  loving  cheer. 
To-day  we  cry  "To-morrow  radiant  gleams," 

And  fail  to  see  to-morrow  now  is  here. 
We  load  to-day  with  burdens  dark  and  heavy, 

That  crush  within  our  hearts  life's  gladsome  song, 
And  look  in  vain  to  find  the  "silver  lining  " 

To  clouds  that  make  our  pathway  drear  and  long. 

Alas  !  at  times,  the  blackness  of  the  present, 

Drapes  e'en  to-morrow  with  its  sable  pall ; 
And  shrinking  neath  the  weight  of  desolation, 

We  see  but  death  abiding  over  all. 
O  human  hearts !  why  will  ye  seek  to  borrow 

Aught  but  the  hours  God  giveth  one  by  one? 
Canst  thou  divide  the  present  from  the  future, 

Or  count  thy  days  by  rising  of  the  sun? 

To-day  to-morrow  is —  To-morrow,  never : 

Then  catch  the  passing  moments  as  they  fly. 
Fill  ev'ry  second  with  some  hidden  treasure 

To  carry  upward  to  the  realms  on  high. 
Live  thou  to-day — 'Tis  death  that  rules  to-morrow; 

The  Christian's  hope  is  everlasting  life  : 
Time  lulls  this  frame  to  rest  in  gentle  slumber, 

And  wafts  the  spirit  far  from  care  or  strife. 


IS 


JESUS    ONLY. 

In  secret,  Lord,  I  bend  the  knee  in  prayer; 
The  door  is  closed,  no  form  but  Thine  is  there. 
My  hands  I  fold ;  I  would  not  raise  for  grace, 
Aught  but  the  nail-prints  to  my  Maker's  face. 
*  My  trembling  lips  refuse  to  form  a  word, 
But  by  Thine  ear  each  whispered  thought  is  heard. 
My  eyes  I  close,  and  looking  thus  within, 
Behold  my  weakness  and  a  depth  of  sin. 

I  hear  Thy  voice — "Come  unto  Me;  confess  : 
In  Me  is  strength  ;  I  am  thy  righteousness. 
Thy  scarlet  sins  shall  be  as  white  as  snow, 
Thy  straying  feet  be  taught  the  way  to  go. 
No  human  power  can  overcome  alone, 
I  am  the  royal  road  unto  the  throne. 
Come,  lay  thy  head  upon  My  loving  breast, 
Thy  load  is  heavy  but  in  Me  is  rest." 

0  Lord  Divine,  my  Saviour  and  my  friend, 

1  read  the  message  which  Thy  love  doth  send 
In  smiling  flowers,  and  in  laughing  breeze, 

In  songbird's  twitter  and  in  swaying  trees  : 
I  read  Thy  greatness  in  the  thunder's  roar, 
And  learn  to  fear  Thee  while  I  love  Thee  more. 
Thy  rod  and  staff  both  bind  my  soul  to  Thee ; 
Spare  not  one  stroke  that  tends  to  purity. 


19 


My  Lord,  I  love  Thee  :  well  Thou  knowest  this  ; 
To  do  Thy  will  I  count  the  highest  bliss. 
To  be  like  Thee,  is  my  ambition  strong ; 
Purge  me  of  dross  and  blot  out  ev'ry  wrong. 
Stay  not  Thy  hand  though  I  rebel  and  cry  ; 
My  trusting  heart  upon  the  wheel  doth  lie. 
Come  weal  or  woe  the  Master  holdeth  me  ; 
So,  polish,  Lord,  'till  Thou  Thy  face  canst  see. 


LITTLE    GLORIES. 

There  is  an  upward  pathway,  by  tiny  footsteps  trod, 
Which  leads  from  our  enfolding,  into  the  arms  of  God. 
Thus,  day  by  day  and  hourly,  the  little  ones  take  flight, 
Away  from  nights  of  darkness,  to  everlasting  light. 
In  notes  of  sweetest  music,  their  merry  voices  ring : 
"We  are  the  lambs  of  Jesus" — the  joyous  song  they 

sing. 

Their  happy  faces  glimmer  with  a  celestial  glow, 
Reflecting  Christ's  own   glory,  like  sunlight  on  the 

snow. 

O  Glory  —  little  Glory !  by  whom  our  life  was  blest, 
All  Heaven  is  the  brighter  for  this  lone  cradle-nest. 
"  Of  such  is  God's  own  Kingdom,"  our  loving  Saviour 

said, 
And  though  our  arms  are  empty,  we  know  thou  art 

not  dead. 


20 


CHRISTMAS. 

When  Mary  bent  her  sweet  face  down, 

And  pressed  on  baby  lips  a  kiss, 
Did  shadowy  cross  before  her  loom 

To  rob  her  of  a  mother's  bliss? 
Forgotten  were  her  trials  deep, 

Forgotten  future  grief  and  care  ; 
The  cradled  Star  was  hers  to  love  ; 

The  Babe  of  Bethlehem  lay  there. 
Wise  men  drew  near  with  off'rings  rich, 

To  crown  Him  infant  Lord  and  King ; 
Angelic  voices,  from  the  clouds, 

Made  Heaven  and  earth  with  anthems  ring. 
A  Christmas  gift  sent  down  to  earth, 

A  Christmas  gift  for  young  and  old  ; 
Salvation  for  a  sinful  world, 

Salvation  was  the  tale  they  told  ! 
The  tiny  babe  to  manhood  grew, 

Through  years  of  sorrow,  toil,  and  pain  ; 
But  at  this  holy  Christmas  time. 

We  celebrate  His  birth  again. 
He  came  that  we  might  be  forgiven, 

And  share  with  Him  the  Home  above. 
He  gave  Himself  for  our  redemption  : 

Was  crucified  and  died  for  love. 

Before  Thy  cross,  with  tearful  eyes, 
We  plead  for  pardon,  Lord  Divine. 

Beside  Thy  cradle,  "born  again  " 
Accept  us,  Lord,  and  make  us  Thine. 

21 


CONSOLATION. 

The  sun  is  sinking  low,  my  darling, 

The  stars  appearing  one  by  one  : 
They  beam  and  smile  like  angels'  faces, 

Rejoicing  that  the  day  is  done. 
For  O,  they  know  how  hard  the  trials, 

The  thorny  pathway  we  have  trod, 
And  cheer  us  with  the  fond  assurance, 

That  there  is  perfect  peace  with  God. 
Heaven  is  near,  when  we  consider 

That  love  is  there  the  law  and  rule, 
The  bitterness  of  earth's  affliction, 

Is  but  the  kindness  of  the  school. 
The  Master's  heart  is  ever  tender, 

His  eyes  are  full  of  loving  care : 
E'en  when  we  grope  in  midnight  darkness, 

We  know  His  hand  is  hidden  there. 
No  tear-drop  falls  without  His  notice, 

No  sob  but  penetrates  His  ear. 
The  soul  that  rests  in  His  enfolding, 

Secure  in  Him,  hath  naught  to  fear. 
The  cross  we  bear  is  spiked  and  heavy  ; 

Shall  we  not  glory  in  its  thorns  ? 
Remember  Him,  once  bruised  and  broken, 

Whom  now  the  victor's  crown  adorns. 
Alone,  forsaken  in  His  sorrow, 

No  friendly  hand  to  clasp  His  own  : 


22 


The  only  kiss  a  traitor's  off'ring, 
No  word  to  make  affection  known. 

O  darling,  we  are  blessed  with  riches, 
The  golden  treasure  of  His  love ; 

No  arrow  strikes  our  human  weakness, 
Which  hath  not  pierced  the  Lord  above. 


I   THANK   THEE. 

I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  for  trials  sent : 
It  is  the  twig  by  breezes  bent, 

That  firmer  clasps  the  ground. 
I  thank  Thee  for  the  bitter  word 
That  makes  Thy  voice  still  plainer  heard, 

A  tender,  loving  sound. 

I  thank  Thee  for  the  tears  that  wean 
My  soul  from  earth,  and  make  it  clean, 

Washed  in  a  molten  fire. 
I  thank  Thee  for  Thy  staff  and  rod, 
Both  mercies,  in  the  hand  of  God, 

Guiding  ever  higher. 

I  thank  Thee  for  the  joy  I  find 
In  sins  forgiven,  cast  behind 

Thy  back,  forever  more  : 
I  thank  Thee,  for  in  this  I  look 
By  faith,  into  Thy  record  book, 

And  read  my  own  name  o'er. 


23 


I  thank  Thee  for  the  light  and  shade 
Of  which  this  earthly  life  is  made, 

A  sacred,  holy  plan. 
I  thank  Thee  for  the  Home  above, 
Eternity  of  boundless  love, 

Prepared  for  ransomed  man. 

Lord,  may  I  ever  thankful  be, 

Thy  dear,  strong  arms  enfolding  me, 

No  will  but  Thine  to  know. 
Then  when  I  meet  Thee  face  to  face, 
Upon  my  spirit  Thou  canst  trace 

The  lessons  learned  below. 


VIOLETS. 

Dear  little  faces,  cool  and  moist  with  rain. 
Lift  up  your  heads  and  kiss  me  once  again. 
Your  breath  so  fragrant,  fills  my  heart  with  rest 
Your  gentle  presence  makes  my  spirit  blest. 
1  whisper  to  you  words  of  tender  love  ; 
You  nod  and  smile,  then  raise  your  eyes  above. 
Ah  yes  !  I  know  the  story  you  would  tell : 
Our  gracious  Father  doeth  all  things  well. 
He  made  you  little,  yet  he  made  you  great; 
Who  can  compute  the  worth  of  man's  estate? 
One  may  be  feeble  and  in  body  spent, 
And  yet  fulfill  the  part  by  Heaven  sent. 
Good  night  —  I  kiss  each  tiny  face  once  more  : 
I  '11  not  forget  you  on  the  better  shore. 


25 


THINE   AND   MINE. 

When  o'er  thy  soul  there  creeps  a  sacred  joy: 

The  knowledge  that  within  thine  inmost  life, 
Part  of  thy  self,  and  spirit  of  thine  own, 

A  gentle  dove  seeks  shelter  from  earth's  strife  : 
When  thine  own  heart  this  truth  canst  not  deny, 

That  two  fond  lives  thus  blend  by  grace  Divine, 
Forget  not  thou  from  whence  the  treasure  comes, 

But  whisper  gently,  "Saviour,  Thine  and  Mine." 

Let  her  find  peace  within  thy  loving  arms ; 

Thy  breast  a  pillow  for  her  weary  head : 
Thine  eyes  a  gateway  into  realms  of  bliss, 

Where  naught  but  purity  is  ever  read. 
From  out  thy  lips  distill,  like  morning  dew 

O'er  blushing  fruit  upon  the  clinging  vine, 
Bright  words  of  praise  to  this  fair  gift  of  God, 

Still  adding  softly,  "Saviour,  Thine  and  Mine." 

O  love  is  holy  —  Set  apart  for  man  : 

The  very  essence  of  our  God  on  high. 
The  prize  for  which  the  youthful  ever  strive, 

The  crown  for  which  the  aged  long  and  cry. 
Love  is  the  inspiration  of  man's  mind  : 

'T  is  love's  great  glory  makes  the  heavens  shine  ; 
So  when  thou  foldest  to  thine  heart  such  wealth, 

Say,  ever  humbly,  "Saviour,  Thine  and  Mine." 


26 


SUNDOWN. 

If  thou  wert  young  I  would  not  wish  for  thee 
A  life  all  joy,  from  ev'ry  sorrow  free, 
Lest  glare  of  sun  without  a  drop  of  rain, 
Bring  in  the  end  a  harvesting  of  pain. 
The  path  all  light  man  shrinks  from  in  dismay : 
Unhedged  by  darkness  many  lose  the  way. 
Unfolded  plans  reveal  God's  mighty  mind  : 
As  witnessed  by  the  years  now  passed  behind. 
Yet  rather  should  I  say  gone  on  before ; 
Recorded  in  God's  book  forever  more. 
My  heart  may  crave  but  cannot  touch  the  past : 
The  future  mine — God  bless  thee  to  the  last. 
"What  has  been,  may  be,"  is  a  maxim  true; 
Incoming  years  may  usefulness  renew. 
Thy  cheerful  face  has  been  a  beacon-light 
To  guide  the  youthful  ever  towards  the  right ; 
And  He  who  died  for  all  beheld  above, 
How  thou  didst  teach  the  little  ones  to  love. 
"What  has  been,  may  be,"  I  again  repeat: 
A  faithful  soldier  knoweth  not  defeat. 
A  hush  comes  o'er  me  as  these  lines  I  end  ; 
A  silent  longing  some  sweet  thought  to  send, 
Which,  like  the  clasp  of  tender,  loving  hand, 
May  bear  thee  upward  where  the  "Better  Land 
Spreads  wide  its  gates  unto  the  spirit's  gaze, 
And  lures  us  homeward  by  its  golden  rays. 
I  seem  to  see  the  dear  ones  gone  before, 
Like  children  waiting  at  the  Father's  door. 


27 


Their  happy  faces  wear  a  watchful  smile ; 
Soft  voices  echo — "Just  a  little  while" — 
Though  earth  enrich  and  lengthy  be  our  stay, 
God  yet  reserves  a  crown — a  grand  Birthday. 


LOVE. 

List !  a  plaintive  song  at  the  close  of  day  — 

It  rises  and  falls,  then  dieth  away, 

Like  the  stroke  of  a  harp  by  angel  hand, 

Or  a  wandering  note  from  Fairy  Land. 

A  calm,  sweet  face,  with  brow  like  riven  snow, 

Pink-tinted  cheeks,  a  summer  sunset  glow, 

Long,  drooping  lashes,  shading  dreamy  eyes, 

Two  dainty  hands,  uplifted  to  the  skies. 

THE  SONG. 

Hear  my  pleading,  Lord  Divine, 
Comfort  this  sad  heart  of  mine. 
Bend  Thy  list'ning  ear  to  me, 
Whom  have  I  on  earth  but  Thee  ? 
Thou  who  earnest  from  above, 
Sanctifying  human  love, 
Give  me  strength  to  bear  this  pain, 
Help  me,  Lord,  to  smile  again  ; 
By  this  silent  mound  of  earth, 
Sorrow  in  my  heart  finds  birth. 
Teach  me,  Lord,  to  look  away, 
Unto  realms  of  endless  day, 


•28 


Where  my  Love,  from  trials  free, 
Finds  sweet  peace  and  rest  with  Thee. 
Some  glad  time,  when  life  is  past, 
And  I  come  to  Thee  at  last, 
Grant,  dear  Father  —  his  and  mine  — 
That  both  souls  may  then  be  Thine. 

Still  lower  falls  the  tender,  pleading  song, 
The  stars  appear,  as  if  the  sacred  throng, 
In  answer,  sent  forth  rays  of  golden  light, 
To  prove  that  love  dispelleth  darkest  night. 
Love  is  undying  —  God  Himself  is  love  — 
'Tis  shadowed  here,  perfected  up  above. 
The  precious  clay  lies  in  the  ground  to  sleep, 
The  spirit  wakes,  no  more  to  sigh  or  weep. 


29 


GOOD-BYE. 

Good-bye — 'Tvvas  planned  that  we  should  meet  and 

part; 

Then  let  us  do  so  with  a  cheerful  heart. 
This  life  is  but  the  night  time,  not  the  day, 
Not  the  real  sunlight,  just  a  wooing  ray  ; 
A  gleam  from  out  the  realms  of  endless  light, 
A  promise  that  our  faith  shall  soon  be  sight. 
Good-bye — I  kiss  my  finger  tips  to  you — 
Keep  thy  lamp  trimmed,  and  to  mankind  be  true. 


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